Ashwagandha, a traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedy, has experienced widespread social media popularity in recent times. Although its healing properties have been recognized for centuries, the modern wellness community has newly embraced it. The hashtag #ashwagandha gained 670 million views on TikTok in 2024 because of endorsements from celebrities Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Aniston.
The scientific name for ashwagandha is Withania somnifera. In Ayurveda, it is considered a vital herb that unites medicinal remedies with balanced nutrition and psychological wellness. The traditional herbal remedy functions as an adaptogenic plant that provides protective benefits to help the body manage physical, mental, and emotional stress. Studies demonstrate this plant decreases anxiety while potentially controlling cortisol levels, which direct the body’s mental reaction.
The term “somnifera” in the plant’s name indicates historical beliefs about its ability to improve sleep quality. Research shows that it can lead to better sleep initiation and deeper sleep, which might benefit patients suffering from insomnia.
Ashwagandha offers benefits beyond achieving the effects of relaxation and rest. In Sanskrit, it refers to “horse smell,” which suggests it provides greater physical stamina and strength. Athletes, together with other people who engage in physical activity, might gain advantages through better muscle growth in addition to more prolonged endurance and increased oxygen uptake when performing physical tasks.
Current medical findings show possible benefits for male fertility according to small-scale research in reproductive health. Few studies have shown that higher testosterone levels are associated with better sperm quantity and quality in male participants. The transformation happens due to the action of DHEA, which functions as a hormone precursor. People with hormone-sensitive medical conditions must stay away from DHEA treatment, especially when their condition is prostate cancer.
The scientific community explores the herb’s ability to treat persistent COVID symptoms, which include brain fog and fatigue. Research indicates that withanolides present in the herb support blood sugar regulation through enhanced glucose absorption at the cellular level. Animal studies identified anti-inflammatory effects, yet there is not enough clinical trial data for human applications.
Various advantages exist, but users must proceed with caution because of ongoing uncertainties. Research into the long-term effects of this therapy remains limited because scientific analysis is insufficient, while some patients experience digestive problems and nausea during their use. The rare occurrence of liver toxicity measured through medical case investigations has led to fatal liver failures.
Patients who suffer from autoimmune diseases need to exercise caution because ashwagandha could potentially overstimulate their immune response. Ashwagandha may interact with thyroid drugs in combination with immunosuppressants and sedatives, which remains a concern. The impact of ashwagandha on thyroid hormone output makes it problematic for patients who are receiving levothyroxine treatments.
The public health system recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding women never take ashwagandha because it could lead to pregnancy loss, while its safety effects remain unknown.
While public interest in ashwagandha is growing, its full therapeutic potential remains unproven and requires further scientific validation. Consumers who intend to use ashwagandha or want to use this supplement with other treatments need to receive advice from a healthcare professional.
References: Kamdar D. Ashwagandha: this ancient herb is trending for its potential health benefits – but also comes with risks. The Conversation. April 22, 2025. https://theconversation.com/ashwagandha-this-ancient-herb-is-trending-for-its-potential-health-benefits-but-also-comes-with-risks-253979
